Magic Bus India Foundation is a prominent non-governmental organization working to alleviate poverty in India. Founded in 1999 by Matthew Spacie, the organization has a significant pan-India presence, empowering children and young people to move from a childhood of vulnerability to a future with meaningful livelihoods.
Vision: A world where young people break out of poverty to lead fulfilling, rewarding lives and contribute positively to their communities.
Mission: To equip vulnerable young people with the life skills and knowledge that enable them to thrive in the transition to adulthood.
Mission: To equip vulnerable young people with the life skills and knowledge that enable them to thrive in the transition to adulthood.
Core Programs
Magic Bus employs a "Childhood to Livelihood" approach, focusing on two flagship programs:
- Adolescent Program: This program targets children aged 12 to 18, equipping them with essential life skills through an activity-based curriculum. The focus is on ensuring they complete their secondary education and are empowered to make informed life decisions. The curriculum covers topics like education, gender equality, health, and employability.
- Livelihood Program: This initiative is designed for young people aged 18 to 25. It provides them with employability skills, connects them with job opportunities, and supports them in securing sustainable livelihoods. The program aims to bridge the gap between the aspirations of young people and the demands of the job market.
Impact and Reach
As of recent data, Magic Bus has a substantial reach across India:
- Presence: The organization operates in 22 states.
- Beneficiaries: It works with over 375,000 children and 10,000 young people.
- Outcomes: A significant percentage of adolescents in the program complete their secondary education. The Livelihood program has successfully placed a large number of youths in stable jobs. For instance, in 2023-24 alone, the Adolescent Programme reached 15 lakh adolescents, and the Livelihood Programme enrolled over 1.25 lakh youth, with over 80% placed in sustainable jobs.
